When you get convicted in a dui case or refuse to take the chemical test when stopped under the suspicion of dui, you will have to face certain Minnesota drunk driving penalties. Minnesota is one of those few states that have imposed a no-tolerance policy for these types of offences. The Implied Consent Law applies in this state not just for cars, but also for snowmobiles, boats, RVs, and ATV’s. The process of license reinstatement is also very difficult and expensive, as it involves an a chemical assessment, a drivers license application, a DWI knowledge test, and an additional $680 reinstatement fee.
First Dui Conviction In Minnesota
The first time conviction in a dui case in this state is treated as a fourth degree dwi – misdemeanor and attracts the following Minnesota drunk driving penalties.
- In general, your driving license will be suspended for a maximum period of ninety days. But if you refuse to take the chemical test at the time of dwi stop, you will face an additional twelve month of license suspension. It is important to note that the penalty for the refusal to take the test is mandatory even if the court dismisses all dwi charges against you and do not convict you.
- If there was a child under sixteen years of age traveling with you in your car, you will face the driving license suspension for an additional 180 days.
- If the BAC level is found to be 0.20 or above, your license will be suspended for a further additional period of 180 days.
- However, you will have an option to apply for a restricted license by getting an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicles. In that case, you will have to pay a certain fees that include Driver License Application Fee of up to $24, License Reinstatement Surcharge of up to $430, and license reinstatement fee of up to $250. As you can see, though the option to get the license reinstated is open for you, it is going to be a very expensive affair.
- You will also be charged a mandatory monetary fine of $1000.
- Besides that, you must also be ready to spend a short vacation in jail for a maximum period of ninety days.
Second Dui Conviction In Minnesota (if within ten years of the previous conviction)
The second time dui conviction is treated as a third degree dwi – gross misdemeanor and results in the following Minnesota drunk driving penalties.
- A specially coded plate will be issued
- Impoundment of Administrative License Plate on all your vehicles for a period of twelve mont5hs.
- Suspension of your driving license for a period of six months is mandatory.
- If there was an under-16 child was also sitting in the vehicle at the time of dwi stop, your license will be suspended for an additional period of 360 days.
- Likewise, if the BAc level is found to be 0.20 or above, you will face the suspension for a further additional period of 360 days.
- You will have to wait for at least ninety days if you are considering applying for a restricted license. The restricted license can be used to drive your car to your office or school.
- When you apply for a restricted license, you will have to pay several charges that include driver license application fee of $24, license reinstatement surcharge of $430, license reinstatement fee of $250.
- Ignition interlock device is mandatory if you want your application for restricted license to get approved.
- The monetary fine can be as high as $3000.
- This time, there will be a comparatively long vacation in jail for as long as twelve months.
Third Dui Conviction In Minnesota (if within ten years of the previous conviction)
The third time dui conviction in this state is treated as a second degree dwi – gross misdemeanor, where the following Minnesota drunk driving penalties apply.
- Specially Coded Plates will be issued
- Impoundment of Administrative License Plate for a maximum period of twelve months.
- The court will also order you to participate in an abstinence, rehabilitation or treatment program for a period of one year.
- Your license will be suspended permanently. However, if the court orders, a restricted license may be issued after you complete the treatment program, but for that, you will need to have an ignition interlock device installed in all your vehicles.
- $3000 of monetary fine
- A maximum of one year in jail imprisonment
Fourth Dui Conviction In Minnesota (if within ten years of the previous conviction)
The following Minnesota drunk driving penalties are applicable for a fourth time conviction, which is treated as a first degree dwi – felony.
- $14,000 of monetary fine
- Jail imprisonment for a maximum period of seven years.